Dish of bidri metal, inlaid with silver and brass

India, Deccan; 2nd half of 17th century
H: 3.5; Diam: 31 cm

The pattern on this dish made of bidri metal is evidently unique and at the same time very striking. At the very center is a flower with seven petals, surrounded by intricately arranged little leaves that seem to form a two-colored peony. A quatrefoil frieze is followed by five concentric rows of leaves with silver stripes and brass contours. The two-dimensional leaves finally give way to similar three-dimensional leaves, which make up the rim of the dish. The dish can thus be viewed as a large flower, but also as a shining sun or a stylized explosion of fireworks.

Trays of this kind were often made for ewers or water pipes with matching patterns.